minstrel

American  

[min-struhl] / ˈmɪn strəl /

noun

1. a medieval poet and musician who sang or recited while accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, either as a member of a noble household or as an itinerant troubadour.

2. a musician, singer, or poet.

3. one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men in blackface, presenting songs, jokes, etc., and portraying negative racial stereotypes.

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minstrel British  

/ ˈmɪnstrəl /

noun

1. a medieval wandering musician who performed songs or recited poetry with instrumental accompaniment

2. a performer in a minstrel show

3. archaic any poet, musician, or singer

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Etymology

Origin of minstrel

1175–1225; Middle English ministrel < Old French < Late Latin ministeriālis servant (noun use of adj.); ministerial

Example Sentences

Much of the picture is devoted to songs and dances, with the children trying to determine whether this ragtag minstrel is really endowed with supernatural abilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

His father, who died when Marshall was 10, occasionally sang in a minstrel act and Marshall’s sister, actor Joanne Dru, worked as a showgirl at the Copa Club.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2024

White minstrel performers like Joel Walker Sweeney were credited with popularizing the instrument that inspired a vital part of popular music in the country seen as "hillbilly" music.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2024

But then when we start getting into the minstrel, it’s not about who you are, it’s about what has been put on to you.

From New York Times • Oct. 20, 2022

The minstrel drew sweet sounds from his lyre and waked in all the longing for the dance.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• troubadour